On Nov. 20, 1855, booksellers in Hillsdale announced a new up-and-coming literary hit for sale: Frederick Douglass’ “My Bondage and My Freedom.” The next day, a group of eight men signed the Articles of Association, founding the First Free Will Baptist Church of Hillsdale on College Hill – the church now known as College Baptist...
Year: 2014
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Vanished Hillsdale
One of Michigan’s most severe union strikes lasted 102 days, involved 180 disgruntled employees, a 1,000 peacemaking National Guard troops, and it occurred 60 years ago across from what is now Johnny T’s Bistro. Hillsdale was once the home of the Essex Wire Corporation, where, on Feb. 28, 1964, 180 employees left work to picket...
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Out of the library and into the fire
Freshman Frank Manning had every intention of attending the Naval Academy in Annapolis; however, when he visited Hillsdale College during his senior year, one interaction with President Larry Arnn changed his mind. “He asked me whether it was more important to learn how to fight or when to fight,” Manning said. Although he chose Hillsdale...
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State Rep. Kurtz responds to roads
The topic of funding Hillsdale’s roads caused several to voice their opinions at City Council’s Feb. 3 meeting, including state Rep. Ken Kurtz. Kurtz attended the meeting in response to a letter the council sent him asking about viable options for solving Hillsdale’s road problem. “I’m letting it be known that, even before I received...
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Two local men charged with four meth-related crimes
Matthew Walter Barron of Jonesville and Charles Henry Osborn of Osseo — both in their 30s — appeared before Hillsdale County District court Wednesday for a pre-trial examination after each being arraigned Monday on four charges: maintaining a drug lab involving methamphetamine, conspiracy to run a drug lab involving meth, maintaining a drug house, and...